Donald Trump wins election despite losing popular vote by greater margin than any US President in history

Donald Trump has been confirmed as President-elect - despite losing the popular vote by a bigger margin than any other US president in history.

The news follows the business magnate securing a majority of votes from the electoral college on Monday.

There had been some hope among his critics that a lobbying effort - which pressured electoral college members to choose another candidate - could see the result overturned.

On election day, voters technically elect members of the electoral college to decide on their behalf, rather than voting for the candidates themselves.

The 538 members of the electoral college - one for each member of congress, plus three from the District of Columbia - came together on Monday to confirm the preferences of their state's voters.

On his victory, Trump said:

I will work hard to unite our country and be the President of all Americans.

While Trump secured far more than the 270 votes he needed for victory, many have pointed out that more American voters actually wanted Hillary Clinton to be their president.

At the latest count, Clinton has secured 48.2 per cent of the vote compared to Trump's 46.1 per cent - a margin of 2.865m votes.

Nevertheless, half of Republicans incorrectly believe Trump won the popular vote.

The result will be officially announced on January 6.